Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia

Synopsis:

“Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Kwame Mbalia’s epic fantasy, a middle grade American Gods set in a richly-imagined world populated with African American folk heroes and West African gods.

Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie’s notebook. Tristan chases after it–is that a doll?–and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree.

In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature’s hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world. Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?”

Review:

Rick Riordan has done something truly amazing with his Rick Riordan Presents line of books. Rick started out writing books based on Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythology. Then, Rick created an opportunity for authors from underrepresented communities to tell stories inspired by their own culture, folklore, and mythology. Not only are these stories entertaining to read, but kids get the chance to discover new mythology or see their family’s history in a story. It’s such a powerful opportunity for kids and I’ve loved every story I’ve read from the Rick Riordan presents line-up.

I’ve heard amazing things about Tristan Strong and let me tell you Kwame Mbalia did not disappoint! I love books that weave folklore, mythology, and culture right into the story. Being only somewhat familiar with African and African American storytelling, this story has me itching to read more about these characters.

Kwame was able to balance a character’s past with page-turning action in an other-worldly setting. As I mentioned, I’m familiar with a few of the characters like John Henry and Brer Rabbit. But others, I want to learn more about like Gum Baby and Nyame. And that’s what great books do – encourage you to reach beyond the story and learn more.

More Thoughts:

This book came at the perfect time as I’m still reeling from the police brutality that just won’t end and the hope that I see in the protestors marching across the country in large cities and small towns. I loved diving into African American folklore and seeing the connections with African storytelling as the two are woven together to form the history of many Black people in this county. 

What I love about storytelling is that it brings people together. So many cultures have similar characters – tricksters, gods, benevolent and angry and everything in between. So many people like to point out differences among people, when in reality we’re more alike than we are different. 

I strongly suggest reading this as a way to learn more about African American storytelling and folklore and using it as a jumping-off point to do a deep dive into the history of Black people in America. This is not only a fun read but an important one. 

If you’re looking for other books from the Rick Riordan presents lineup, check out Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. And the second book in the Tristan Strong series is out now – check out Tristan Strong Destroys the World.

Need to Know:

Title: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Page Number: 496 pgs.